‘Neene Neene’ to be simultaneously released in the US, Australia

By R.G. Vijayasarathy Bangalore, June 4 (IANS) Sameer Dattani-starrer “Neene Neene” will become the first Kannada film to be simultaneously released in India, US and Australia. The love story featuring the man known as Dhyan in the Kannada film industry is releasing June 6. In India, the film will be released in Karnataka and will also hit the screens the same day in New Delhi and Mumbai, according to its producers.

Earlier, Kannada films were released abroad after their release in Karnataka. There were exceptions when one or two films were released in the US.

This is the first time that a Kannada film is having a simultaneous release in three countries. K.M. Veeresh, editor of chitraloka.com, is organising the “Neene Neene” release in the US and Australia.

He said: “I have taken a calculated risk as a distributor. I have a gut feeling that this film will set a trend for simultaneous release of Kannada films in future.”

“I am already making arrangements for the release of ‘Ganga Cauvery’ and ‘Chickckamagaloora Chikkamallige’ in two or more countries abroad. I only wish that Kannada film producers would realise that there is a gold mine, which is still to be exploited.

“Already the films of other South Indian languages have benefited largely from the simultaneous release of their films abroad.”

Producer Basavareddy may be new to film production, but says his business expertise gained in trading in cotton and running an industry has come in good stead in making “Neene Neene” which has Dhyan and Aishwarya Nag in the lead.

About releasing the films abroad and some cities in the country, he says he has already received the money from the outright sale of the film abroad. He is also planning to touch other cities in India where many Kannadigas live.

Basavareddy added: “And my next target is the Middle East where I am planning to release the film in two or three weeks. There has been substantial interest among the South Indian population in the west Asian countries ever since some Kannada stars went on a entertainment tour a few weeks ago. I am sure west Asian market will be a big revenue earner for Kannada films in the future.”

“Neene Neene” is directed by actor Shivadhwaj who played lead roles in many Kannada films including the award winning “Singaravva” directed by the well-known director Nagabharana.

Sree Murali has composed some melodious songs that have already become popular. The audio has been selling briskly, claims Shivadhwaj.

Shivadhwaj also says that he has made a film that could appeal largely to young professionals and family audience.

He said: “It is a mature love story. The protagonists are two independent thinking software professionals who are bound by marriage. They have different perceptions on many things, but in spite of it they chose to remain united because of the maturity they show in dealing with the differences. And how they try to resolve their differences is detailed in this film.”

Dhyan, the chocolate hero of Kannada films, says that for the first time he has played a mature role in his career.

“I was very happy to be part of the team. Shivadhwaj had gained lot of experience as an actor. And he was backed by some top technicians like Dinesh Babu and Sree Murali. I can certainly say that this film is a totally different film of my career,” said Dhyan.

The actor has already given hits like “Nanna Preethiya Hudugi”, “Mona Lisa” and “Amruthadhare “.